I am an academic about to get tenure, but I'm thinking about an alternative career trajectory. In particular, I have an idea for software that (I believe) could be revolutionary, related to my field of study. I'm thinking of quitting my job to pursue this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous
on May 24, 2014 -
13 answers

Where can I find affordable health insurance? I'm on COBRA since striking it out on my own, but currently have not started making revenue, and am worried about options once that runs out. My current high deductible plan from UHC costs ~$213/mo ($2700 deductible) and includes EyeMed vision and dental (additional $35). I know I won't find anything this good post-COBRA but hoping there's something close?
I know that since ACA has started that individuals can buy insurance off exchanges (I am in NYC, so will be more expensive, I know..). Will definitely be checking that out. Freelancer's Medical has come up in my searches. I don't think that entrepreneurs (who are not freelancers getting 1099s) qualify for Freelancer's, but checking with them. Not sure we qualify for HealthyNY for small business (individual option has been terminated post-ACA), since we are an LLC but I am the only full-time partner (the rest have day jobs).
Are there other options I'm not aware of? Thanks for any help!
posted by vlotty
on Jan 14, 2014 -
5 answers

I'm pushing 50, but I still have urges. Entrepreneurial urges. Ideas for products. Cool websites. Apps. Little businesses. Stuff that makes some money.
But: Every cool startup I see comes from a 12-year-old. College is middle age. 30 is elder statesman. 40 is dead. I've never done this before. Its scary. Where are my role models? Networks? Inspirations? Mentors? Resources? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy
on Jan 30, 2013 -
17 answers

I've got the technical skills and the product idea, but I know nothing about the business side of doing a startup. How can I learn and do? [more inside]
posted by LastOfHisKind
on Mar 12, 2012 -
5 answers

After nearly a year of being unemployed and looking for that perfect job, I've decided instead to start my own business. It is set up as a sole proprietorship, but I will be collaborating with a bunch of fellow freelancers as their services become necessary (video editors, etc). On my website (which is set up as the name of my company), I have been using "we" to describe the work. "We have ten years of experience" "We have a specific passion for telling stories", etc.
I'm not trying to fool anyone (my "about us" page basically says "this company is SoftLord, and also other awesome freelance partners"), but I'm having a difficult time figuring out the proper language to use. I've been going back and forth on this with fellow solopreneurs (yeah, I know) and there hasn't been any consensus.
Is this disingenuous? Should I be using "I" instead? Snowflake inside. [more inside]
posted by softlord
on Dec 4, 2011 -
25 answers

I'm a woman in my 30's founding a startup that I'm very excited about. I'm also ready to seek out a serious relationship. Are the two mutually exclusive? [more inside]
posted by enzymatic
on Oct 28, 2011 -
18 answers

I was reading my Kindle last night and my entrepreneurial light went on. I am looking for feedback on the idea, but also techniques that I can use to gauge the feasibility, and legality, of this and future ideas. My idea was
Cliffnotes 2.0. Book and article summaries for busy people in a world of ever increasing information. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized
on Aug 24, 2010 -
8 answers

I'm in the very early phases of putting together a special-interest web site, which will begin as a blog but could eventually add other features. For at least the first year or two, I expect to lose money on this. Eventually, I hope to cover my costs or maybe even make a small (very small) profit with advertising. What business, tax and technology considerations should I keep in mind as I get going? [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak
on Jul 23, 2007 -
1 answer

My wife and I are about to launch a new web startup. This is her second successful venture and I am moving from agency creative to join her. Throughout the process, there are many opportunities to reinvent the wheel and I would love to connect with other people that are putting their nest eggs on the line and taking the web 2.0 leap.
I am looking for a "founders forum" for entrepreneurs. Does anyone know of a forum or community that is centered around the trials and tribulations of serious startups?
posted by Occams Hammer
on Apr 12, 2007 -
11 answers

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